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Take a moment: 8 things to consider when considering a job offer

You nailed the interview and landed the gig. They’re offering you the position, but you have some thinking to do. While new opportunities are exciting, not all job offers are going to be right for you – and that’s okay.

Here are a few things to consider when considering job offer.

First things first, the most important thing you can do is ask yourself:

What do I value?

What am I willing to compromise on?

What am I not willing to compromise on?

Write these down for reference and keep them handy as you go through the process. As you enter the tumultuous nature of negotiations, you want to make sure you can look back on these.

Salary + Compensation Package

Naturally, we all want a million dollars a year. But you really should be compensated fairly. Utilize sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary, to det target=”_blank”ermine a fair salary for your experience and the position you’ve been offered. (However, those are just estimates and can often be higher than the average range for that position. Salaries can also vary according to the organization, your experience, and the industry.

Your salary might come with a compensation package. This can include factors like allowances, bonuses, commission, stock options, etc. Be sure to consider how these will affect your salary.

If a salary is lower than you prefer or growth is limited, reference back to your “Compromise/Not Compromise” list, are there other factors that could make up for the gap?

Benefits + Perks

Not all workplaces offer non-monetary perks, but they can certainly set certain organizations apart. These perks can include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance

flexible work options

paid sick time

paid vacation

401(k)

paternity leave

gym memberships

child care

tuition reimbursement

…just to name a few.

Organizations might also offer unique perks like sabbaticals or pet-friendly spaces. Again, reference your list to see which benefits are necessities, and which ones are nice to have.

Culture

Culture is essentially the personality of the organization, supported by programs and practices. Closely examine factors like the organization’s shared purpose, work environment, and values. Culture is hard to fake, and it will likely not change drastically over time. If it’s not a great fit for you now, it likely won’t be a great fit in the future – and few perks can override this.

Work-life balance: Every job will have unique demands on your time, but some have more than others. Keep in mind factors like busy seasons, late nights, or weekend work – is it too much?

Work has an inherently social element. Are you a watercooler chit-chatter? Or do you prefer to work alone? Consider whether or not this job and your potential team will fulfill your social needs.

Commute

This may feel like a small factor in considering a dream job, but it can quickly detract from even the most attractive of perks. The shorter the commute, the better. Anything over an hour can start to seriously drain your morale.

Be sure to test this drive during rush hour times. If the commute is feeling too daunting, this can be a good time to discuss remote work options.

Stability

Ideally, every job will lead to a career. If this job is short term or lacks growth opportunities, it may not lead to a career with this particular organization. However, sometimes it can serve as a stepping stone to a different career.

If you are hoping to stay with the organization, determine whether or not this position will provide enough challenge throughout your career path with the organization.

Timing

Will this career change conflict with other obligations? This can include responsibilities like leases, family planning, and dedications to your previous job.

Additionally, try to get a feel for the environment you will be entering in terms of busy-ness and demand. Will you be entering a hectic space? How long will it last?

Intuition

In the end, you know what is best for you. You have a keen sense of understanding, so go with your gut.

This is an exciting time! But it is up to you to make the right decision for your present and future self. Weigh the pros and cons of the position and the organization and don’t feel afraid to ask for what you need or obligated to say yes.